Songs for Easily Frightened Children

Unless you've got something against your kids or younger siblings, Matt Bauer probably isn't the best choice for your next babysitter. Mr. Bauer's new album, The Island Moved in the Storm, is the latest in what I'm deeming "creepy rock." Apparently taking his cue from such family friendly tracks as the Stone Temple Pilots' "Sex Type Thing" or Nirvana's "Polly," Bauer has put together an entire album about Kentucky's "Tent Girl," who in 1968 was found dead, wrapped in canvas, along a dirt road near Eagle Creek, north of Georgetown, Kentucky. Obviously, this is subject matter that you can rock the kiddies to sleep with any and every night.

As unsettling as the topic matter might be, Bauer actually has put together a rather beautiful and touching collection of songs, painting haunting pictures with chilling accuracy. His voice is deft and the instrumentation with which he chooses to surround himself adds a ghostly feel to the music. As with the aforementioned STP and Nirvana tracks, the utterly disconcerting subject matter does nothing to distract from the music. In fact, it somehow makes it all the stronger.

Just remember not to use it for any lullabies. That being said, I have no doubt Bauer would make a hell of a camp counselor. His campfire stories would have 'em pissing in their pants.

mp3: Don't Let Me Out